| A Season of Hope |
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” – Romans 12:12 We are going through trying times. Not just in our society, but in our church. I have a tendency to give in to the darker angels of my nature from time to time. (My call sign at my work is “Eeyore”, if that gives you any idea.) And yet, I am oddly not falling prey to those thoughts in the grim light with which we are coping. I had the task of reporting to all of you the financial condition of our church. It was a difficult presentation to make, and I can see how it can cause much anxiety–as it did for me while we were crunching the numbers. But I have faith, that with God’s help, we will overcome. I am hopeful and encouraged by what the Board is doing to address the situation. We all will be focusing on strengthening our fellowship and building our community. Of course, we have our annual Gifts of the Magi and Meet Me at the Manger fundraising events. These events traditionally provide a year-end boost that carries us into the new year. But beyond that, we will have grass-rootsfundraising and will launch programs to target our needs. In brief, here are some actions we will take in the new year: · In January, we will hold a Collective Liberation Retreat facilitated by a company called Beyond Conflict. This retreat is jointly supported by UFMCC. · In February, we will begin a Generosity Campaign with home groups. · We will increase community fundraising, including an Anniversary Bingoand additional events throughout the year. Details on these efforts are forthcoming. We have all been aware, if not fully engaged, in our situation. Now we are called to come together for the welfare of something we love. I believe we, as Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, have a mission that is both important to our community and fundamental to each of our personal faith walks. These times will prove our mettle. As we were told one Sunday morning: “We are here for those the world has forgotten.” As we approach Advent, we celebrate anticipation of both the Christ’s first coming in Bethlehem, celebrated at Christmas, as well as the hopeful expectation of his return at the end of time. It’s a season of hope. So let us step out together. In loving spiritual union and camaraderie, we cannot help but move forward, “…as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand.” – Dr. Seuss “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Finally, let’s hold fast to Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.”  Bill Russell Board of Directors Bill@ResurrectionMCC.org |
